KiCAD Design Review & Validation Workflow

This skill guides Claude through systematic design review of a KiCAD project using MCP tools. ALL checks are performed through MCP tools, never parse .kicad_sch or .kicad_pcb files directly.

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Toolset Loading

Load the required toolsets for design review:

load_toolset('sch_analysis')     # find_orphan_items, find_shorted_nets, find_single_pin_nets
load_toolset('verification')     # run_drc; check_clearance anchor/courtyard spacing; rules
load_toolset('sch_export')       # run_erc
load_toolset('pcb_export')       # get_drc_violations
load_toolset('manufacturing')    # validate_for_manufacturing
load_toolset('design_review')    # audit_decoupling, audit_connections, audit_power_rails, etc.

Optional (for deeper analysis):

load_toolset('sch_analysis')     # get net info, trace connections, inspect components
load_toolset('pcb_routing')      # query_traces, get_nets_list

Always call get_active_toolsets() first to see what is already loaded.

Evidence hierarchy

Judge findings in this order:

1. Exact design requirements and manufacturer datasheets.
2. Direct KiCad ERC/DRC and saved or exported connectivity.
3. Direct Konnect net, short, pad, trace, via, unrouted, and inventory evidence.
4. Aggregate review and manufacturing summaries.
5. Heuristic orphan, single-pin, decoupling, protection, and best-practice findings.

A weaker finding may ask a question; it does not override stronger contradictory evidence. Any required check that did not run, returned impossible coverage, or remains inconsistent with stronger evidence makes the verdict INCOMPLETE.